Northumberland’s Best Coastal Walks

Northumberland is home to some of the most spectacular coastal walks in the UK, with dramatic castles, endless beaches, charming fishing villages, and breathtaking sea views around every corner. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed family stroll or a longer scenic adventure, these walks are some of the very best ways to explore the Northumberland coastline.

Craster to Dunstanburgh Castle Walk

This is one of the most famous walks in Northumberland and a must for first-time visitors.

Route

Start in the fishing village of Craster, known for its traditional kippers and picturesque harbour. From the harbour, join the clearly signposted Northumberland Coast Path heading north.

The path follows the coastline across grassy clifftops with uninterrupted sea views. After around 1 mile, the dramatic ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle begin to appear in the distance.

Continue along the path until you reach the castle entrance. You can either explore the castle grounds or continue slightly further for panoramic coastal views before returning the same way to Craster.

Distance

Around 2 miles each way

Difficulty

Easy to moderate

What you’ll see

• Craster harbour
• Rugged coastal cliffs
• Dunstanburgh Castle
• Seabirds and coastal wildlife
• Beautiful sea views throughout

Parking

Pay and display parking available in Craster village

Best for

Families, photographers, casual walkers, history lovers

Bamburgh to Seahouses Walk

This walk combines two of Northumberland’s most popular coastal destinations with a huge stretch of sandy beach in between.

Route

Begin near Bamburgh Castle and walk onto Bamburgh Beach. Head north along the shoreline towards Seahouses.

The route is simple and easy to follow as most of the walk takes place directly on the beach. Along the way, you’ll enjoy incredible views back towards Bamburgh Castle and out across the Farne Islands.

As you approach Seahouses, the beach gradually leads towards the harbour area where you’ll find cafés, pubs, and fish and chip shops.

You can return along the same beach route or use sections of the nearby coastal path.

Distance

Approximately 3 miles each way

Difficulty

Easy

What you’ll see

• Bamburgh Castle
• Wide sandy beaches
• Farne Islands views
• Sand dunes
• Seahouses harbour

Parking

Large car parks available in both Bamburgh and Seahouses

Best for

Families, dog walkers, relaxed beach walks

Low Newton-by-the-Sea to Beadnell Bay Walk

This peaceful route is perfect for visitors wanting quieter beaches and beautiful dune scenery.

Route

Start in Low Newton-by-the-Sea near the beach car park. Walk north along the sandy shoreline or follow sections of the coastal path running alongside the dunes.

The route passes through stunning stretches of unspoilt coastline with plenty of opportunities to stop for photographs or wildlife spotting.

Continue until you reach Beadnell Bay, where you’ll find a sweeping crescent-shaped beach popular for watersports and family beach days.

After exploring Beadnell, return the same way to Low Newton.

Distance

Approximately 2.5 miles each way

Difficulty

Easy

What you’ll see

• Sand dunes
• Quiet beaches
• Coastal wildlife
• Rolling sea views
• Traditional seaside scenery

Parking

Parking available at Low Newton and Beadnell

Best for

Couples, photographers, peaceful coastal walks

Holy Island Coastal Walk

Holy Island, also known as Lindisfarne, offers one of the most unique walking experiences in Northumberland.

Important

Always check tide times before travelling to Holy Island, as the causeway floods during high tide.

Route

Start in the village of Holy Island and follow walking paths around the coastline towards Lindisfarne Castle.

From there, continue around the island’s shoreline paths, taking in views across mudflats, dunes, and salt marshes. Several circular walking options are available depending on how far you wish to walk.

The island’s peaceful atmosphere and rich history make this one of the most memorable walks in the county.

Distance

Flexible routes ranging from 2 to 6 miles

Difficulty

Easy

What you’ll see

• Lindisfarne Castle
• Historic priory ruins
• Coastal birdlife
• Salt marshes and dunes
• Panoramic sea views

Parking

Main visitor car park available near the village

Best for

Nature lovers, history enthusiasts, peaceful walks

Druridge Bay Walk

Druridge Bay offers one of the longest uninterrupted beach walks in Northumberland.

Route

There are several starting points along the bay, but many walkers begin near Druridge Bay Country Park.

From the beach access path, head north or south along the enormous sandy coastline. The route is completely flexible, allowing walkers to choose shorter strolls or much longer walks.

The beach is backed by dunes and nature reserves, with excellent opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife spotting.

Distance

Up to 7 miles

Difficulty

Easy

What you’ll see

• Endless sandy beaches
• Sand dunes
• Nature reserves
• Coastal wildlife
• Quiet open scenery

Parking

Multiple parking areas along the bay

Best for

Long walks, dog walkers, peaceful escapes

Berwick-upon-Tweed Coastal Walk

This route combines beautiful coastline with fascinating local history.

Route

Start in Berwick-upon-Tweed town centre and walk along the historic Elizabethan walls overlooking the River Tweed.

From there, continue towards the coastline and follow the cliffside and beach paths south towards Spittal Beach.

The route offers fantastic sea views alongside historic buildings, bridges, and harbour scenery.

Distance

Approximately 3 miles

Difficulty

Easy

What you’ll see

• Historic town walls
• Coastal cliffs
• River and sea views
• Spittal promenade
• Harbour scenery

Parking

Multiple parking areas available in Berwick town centre

Best for

History lovers, relaxed walkers, photographers

Tips for Walking the Northumberland Coast

• Wear comfortable walking shoes or boots
• Bring waterproof layers as weather can change quickly
• Check tide times before walking on beaches
• Carry water and snacks for longer routes
• Respect local wildlife and nesting birds
• Bring a camera as the scenery is incredible year-round

Explore Northumberland on Foot

Northumberland’s coastline is best explored slowly, giving you the chance to discover hidden beaches, dramatic castles, charming villages, and unforgettable sea views along the way.

Whether you’re planning a relaxing weekend break or a longer coastal holiday, Coast & Cove Escapes offers the perfect base for discovering Northumberland’s best coastal walks, with handpicked holiday cottages located close to many of the region’s most scenic walking routes.